Summary:
Mel reaches the end of her time. Fergus runs to clear his mind and realizes what he hadn't been able to see earlier but the consequences are already underway.
Structure: This is an incredibly tense part of the novel, we know that it is the end for Mel. This is the resolution of the novel. Mel's murder and Uncle Tally's involvement are quite shocking. There is a significant twist in the story when we realise that Uncle Tally is involved.
Also, the omniscient limited narrator made it possible for us to only have a limited view of Tally. We are never given any significant information about him, therefore the resolution comes as quite a surprise.
Analysis: I feel that it's important to consider the implications of the narrative stream of consciousness from Mel. Here it is. "In Inchquinoag forest I could hear every last leaf trembling. Padum, Padum Padum, went my heart. It would surely explode and kill me before they did." Auditory imagery, sensory language. Alliteration.
The intensity of the experience and words suggesting impending doom. We are positioned to feel the experience with Mel, such a strong and emotional journey. We are also invited to see how people are not always treated correctly and that there is injustice in the world.
"I foresaw the coming years of violence, the old grudges leapfrogging over generations, re-appearing in different forms."
It is clear from this comment that the narrator believes that this sacrifice will not solve any problems. In fact it will fuel further violence and resentment. We are positioned to agree with her as certainly murdering innocent child is not how to move forward and get along together in a community.
We also view Fergus's thoughts as he realises Uncle Tally's involvement with the IRA. "Uncle Tally was a bomb maker, in it up to his neck, depite protesting his detachment"
Perhaps Fergus is judging Uncle Tally, he was responsible for the death of Owain? Fergus is devastated, it is evident throughout the narrative that he has a lot of respect for this Uncle. He loved him dearly.
"Violence begets more violence"
Fergus does not believe in the 'the cause', also clearly the message for the reader is that involvement in terrorist activities is not the answer to peace.
Finally, I feel that a good point to make is how the death of Tally is constructed by the author. There is a significant difference in the language used.
A stretcher appeared, covered over with the purple blanket recognised from Uncle Tally's bed. The men bearing the stretcher slid it into the ambulance without delay.
Notice that the language used here is very matter of fact, there is little imagery and it is describing the scene in a direct way. We are not invited to look at Uncle Tally's death in an emotional sense. Perhaps, the narrator is suggeting that he death was in fact justice being served? These are my ideas and analysis of this important chapter. I would really like your comments in the group. (I would create a discussion forum in my group here to get feedback)
Mel reaches the end of her time. Fergus runs to clear his mind and realizes what he hadn't been able to see earlier but the consequences are already underway.
Structure: This is an incredibly tense part of the novel, we know that it is the end for Mel. This is the resolution of the novel. Mel's murder and Uncle Tally's involvement are quite shocking. There is a significant twist in the story when we realise that Uncle Tally is involved.
Also, the omniscient limited narrator made it possible for us to only have a limited view of Tally. We are never given any significant information about him, therefore the resolution comes as quite a surprise.
Analysis: I feel that it's important to consider the implications of the narrative stream of consciousness from Mel. Here it is.
"In Inchquinoag forest I could hear every last leaf trembling. Padum, Padum Padum, went my heart. It would surely explode and kill me before they did."
Auditory imagery, sensory language. Alliteration.
The intensity of the experience and words suggesting impending doom. We are positioned to feel the experience with Mel, such a strong and emotional journey. We are also invited to see how people are not always treated correctly and that there is injustice in the world.
"I foresaw the coming years of violence, the old grudges leapfrogging over generations, re-appearing in different forms."
It is clear from this comment that the narrator believes that this sacrifice will not solve any problems. In fact it will fuel further violence and resentment. We are positioned to agree with her as certainly murdering innocent child is not how to move forward and get along together in a community.
We also view Fergus's thoughts as he realises Uncle Tally's involvement with the IRA.
"Uncle Tally was a bomb maker, in it up to his neck, depite protesting his detachment"
Perhaps Fergus is judging Uncle Tally, he was responsible for the death of Owain? Fergus is devastated, it is evident throughout the narrative that he has a lot of respect for this Uncle. He loved him dearly.
"Violence begets more violence"
Fergus does not believe in the 'the cause', also clearly the message for the reader is that involvement in terrorist activities is not the answer to peace.
Finally, I feel that a good point to make is how the death of Tally is constructed by the author. There is a significant difference in the language used.
A stretcher appeared, covered over with the purple blanket recognised from Uncle Tally's bed. The men bearing the stretcher slid it into the ambulance without delay.
Notice that the language used here is very matter of fact, there is little imagery and it is describing the scene in a direct way. We are not invited to look at Uncle Tally's death in an emotional sense. Perhaps, the narrator is suggeting that he death was in fact justice being served?
These are my ideas and analysis of this important chapter. I would really like your comments in the group. (I would create a discussion forum in my group here to get feedback)